When considering to rent a car seat while on travel often depends on your itinerary, length of trip, length of time riding in a motor vehicle, and number of and age of children. Parents often consider renting a car seat when at a travel destination with family or friends, traveling in a taxi or limousine or renting a car (which California law requires rental car agencies to provide a car seat for a child). While it is convenient to rent a car seat especially if you will only need it a short time while on travel (usually $6 to $10 per day and $35 to $55 per week), it is safer and more cost effective to consider other options instead such as taking your own or purchasing an inexpensive one, once at your destination.
Safety Risks When Renting a Car Seat
There are companies that rent baby gear including strollers, cribs and even car seats. While these companies provide convenience to parents, when it comes to car seats however there are significant safety factors to consider that can put your child at risk of injury or even death upon a car crash.
The leading risk factor is that for most, if not all, car seat rental companies, and this includes rental car agencies, do not have Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians available to not only install your car seat but to properly inspect the car seat. Without being a Certified Technician one does not know what to look for in a car seat once it has been returned from being used and cleaned: They need to properly inspect the car seat:
Additional concerns include, does the company:
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Because of the safety risks of rental car seats, if you choose not to travel with your own, it is best to purchase an inexpensive, lighter car seat or booster seat to take with you or purchase at your destination. Less expensive car seats and booster seats are available at department stores such as WalMart or Target for example, with prices starting at $45, and convertible and booster seats start at $35. These less expensive infant, convertible and booster seats are safe as in the United States, they meet Federal Standards. The reason these are less expensive is because they have less convenient parts such as lock offs and harness strap adjusters to make it easier for the parent. But for travel these are a great option because they are often lighter, new, clean and you do not have to worry if they have been damaged. After you are done traveling, if you are visiting friends or family that you visit often, you can leave the car seat with them after they drop you off to the airport or take it home with you for future travels.
Mobile Car Seat Installation Services for Travel
As with any car seat or booster seat, it must fit the child's height and weight, and be used and installed properly according to the instructions of the car seat and motor vehicle. It is recommended to have a Certified Technician show you how to install the car seat, even when you are on travel. Pro Car Seat Safety is available to answer questions and can meet you at the airport or department store, to show you how to install and use your car seat properly. Call 323-491-6197.
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